Portable shelter

ABSTRACT

A portable shelter in the form of a containerized tent having a hinged, folding and telescoping overhead support structure that mounted, stored and supported within a transportable container, wherein the tent box is capable of mounting on a variety of on and off-road vehicles, wherein the shelter is quickly and easily erected and dismantled by one individual, and wherein the full length of the tent is securely supported to prevent structural failure during utilization thereof, thereby enabling camping in remote locations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to portable shelters and, more specifically, to a containerized tent having a folding and telescoping overhead support structure mounted in a transportable container. The present invention is particularly useful in, although not strictly limited to, remote camping applications wherein an individual desires a shelter to mount and transport on an all-terrain vehicle, wherein the tent is quickly and easily erected and dismantled by one individual and is securely supported to prevent structural failure during utilization thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Camping continues to increase in popularity as individuals seek to enjoy the outdoors. Some choose to maximize incidental luxuries and travel in a motor home or travel trailer. Others prefer to venture off-road and choose a portable tent. Most experienced campers would agree that, although a tent offers the greatest portability and hence the least restrictive form of shelter, tents are notoriously complex to erect and often prone to structural failure.

[0003] In response to this recognized dilemma, many tent improvements have been suggested, wherein structural support features and setup methodologies have been proposed. However, in view of the present invention, each of these structural support features and setup methodologies is disadvantageous. For example, one type of tent derives from a hammock and features an overhead suspension fastened on each end to a tree. While this design may afford some benefits in structural simplicity over a traditional tent, it disadvantageously requires an individual to locate two appropriately spaced trees or alternative external supports.

[0004] Another version, also supported from overhead, utilizes a frame in lieu of a flexible suspension, thus providing increased strength. However, the fully extended dual rod frame is supported at only one end, thereby potentially limiting stability. And while the frame pivots to fit into a backpack to enable portability, it disadvantageously requires a series of detailed unpacking and assembly steps, in addition to an appropriately sized tree for support.

[0005] Since camping often takes place in locations wherein support trees may be unavailable, alternative tents have been proposed that depend on a vehicle for support. Some utilize the cargo bed of a truck or van as a portion of the tent living space. However, for off-road travel these tents are ineffective.

[0006] An alternative version mounts on the front of a motorcycle and extends from the front tire, using the wheel to support one end of the tent and angled ground-support poles for the remainder. While this type of design does eliminate the need for a truck, van or support tree, unlike the previously described overhead support devices it does not eliminate the troublesome issues surrounding ground-support poles, commonly experienced with traditional tents.

[0007] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a tent apparatus having a folding and telescoping frame that is stored, transported and supported in a container, wherein the container is capable of mounting to a variety of on and off-road vehicles, wherein the shelter is quickly and easily erected and dismantled by one individual, and wherein the full length of the tent is securely supported to prevent structural failure during utilization thereof, thus preventing the above-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such a device, by providing a portable, containerized tent having a protective shelter covering and a folding and telescoping overhead frame structure that is supported by a container, wherein the container is mountable to an all-terrain vehicle and the shelter is quickly and easily erected therefrom.

[0009] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a tent apparatus having a hinged, telescopic frame that is stored, transported and supported in a box, wherein the tent box is capable of mounting on a variety of on and off-road vehicles, wherein the shelter is quickly and easily erected and dismantled by one individual, and wherein the full length of the tent is securely supported to prevent structural failure during utilization thereof, thereby enabling camping in remote locations.

[0010] More specifically, the present invention is a plastic, canvas or other suitably water-resistant material tent having optional mesh, screen or removable portions for ventilation and zippers or other appropriate means for secure closure and protection from the elements, wherein the tent material is linked to a frame. The frame is steel, or other suitably strong, corrosion resistant material that is relatively lightweight to facilitate portability, wherein the frame and the tent material are mounted and stored within a container in a collapsed position.

[0011] The elongated generally rectangular-shaped container is preferably stamped metal or other suitably strong material capable of holding the folded frame and tent, capable of being mounted across the rear section of an all-terrain vehicle, and capable of supporting the extended T-shaped frame and erected tent.

[0012] Wherein the quick set containerized tent is mounted on an all-terrain vehicle, a user simply opens the tent box and folds out the frame. The shelter material is attached to a telescoping cross-support rod, wherein full extension thereof completes the generally T-shaped frame. The telescoping rod supports the full length of the tent from overhead, wherein the shelter material hangs from the telescoping rod and wherein the rod depends upon the frame, container and carrying vehicle for reinforced strength. Stakes, also stored within the tent box, are utilized to quickly and easily secure each corner of the tent, thereby fixing the position of the sidewalls and floor without the use of ropes. Dismantling of the tent is also quick and simple, requiring removal of the stakes, compacting the telescoping rod and folding the hinged support frame and the attached shelter material back into the transport box.

[0013] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to provide quick and easy setup and disassembly of a portable shelter by one individual.

[0014] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to enable a user to assemble a portable shelter in a more efficient manner, utilizing fewer steps thus reducing the amount of time and effort needed for the task of erecting a tent.

[0015] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to enable camping at remote locations.

[0016] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to effectively mount on a variety of on and off-road vehicles or other external support such as, for exemplary purposes only, a tree.

[0017] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to provide a portable tent with a fully supported overhead frame.

[0018] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to provide a folding and telescoping frame, thereby enabling portability.

[0019] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to provide a portable shelter that is fully contained within a transport box.

[0020] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to eliminate the risk of structural failure.

[0021] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to eliminate the need for tent ropes or ground-support poles.

[0022] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of such a device to provide a containerized tent wherein the container provides a structural support for the overhead shelter frame.

[0023] These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is an overhead view of a portable tent apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the tent support frame collapsed within a container, wherein the tent material and the lid are removed from the container.

[0026]FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a portable tent apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the tent support frame fully extended with the assembled tent supported thereby.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable tent apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the tent support frame partially extended and the unassembled tent supported thereby, wherein the portable tent apparatus is mounted on the rear of an all-terrain vehicle and the lid of the container is in an open position.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable tent apparatus of FIG. 3, showing the tent support frame fully extended and the assembled tent supported thereby, wherein the portable tent apparatus is mounted on the rear of an all-terrain vehicle and the lid of the container is in an open position.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the portable tent apparatus according to an alternate embodiment, showing the tent frame fully extended and the assembled tent supported thereon via rings, wherein the portable tent apparatus is mounted on the rear of an all-terrain vehicle and the lid of the container is in an open position.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable tent apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device mounted on the rear of an all-terrain vehicle and the tent and frame extended and supported thereby.

[0031]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portable tent apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the device mounted on the tailgate area of a pickup truck and the tent and frame extended and supported thereby.

[0032]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portable tent apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the device mounted on a tree and the tent and frame extended and supported thereby.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

[0033] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, the present invention is a portable shelter device 10 generally comprising container 20, folding frame 40, telescoping support 60, shelter 80 and stakes 100. Preferably, container 20 is a substantially rectangular shaped box 22, as best seen in FIG. 1. Wherein a rectangular shape is preferred for box 22, other container shapes could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, oval, cylindrical or square.

[0035] Box 22 is preferably metal, having a first elongated interior wall 24 a, wherein folding frame 40 is preferably secured thereto. Although it is preferred that folding frame 40 is mounted to first interior wall 24 a, alternate attachment configurations could be utilized wherein folding frame 40 could be secured to second elongated interior wall 24 b, to side walls 24 c or 24 d, to interior base 26 or to any combination thereof without departing from the present invention herein described. While metal is the preferred material for box 22, other suitably strong, substantially weather-resistant and portably lightweight materials could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, wood, plastic or PVC, or a combination thereof. Moreover, while it is preferred that box 22 has a stamped metal construction, it could be a molded synthetic or a riveted, welded or otherwise secured multi-component piece.

[0036] Preferably, box 22 carries mounting plates 30 (not shown) on exterior base surface 32 thereof, whereby portable shelter device 10 is securely and removably mounted to a rack on an all-terrain vehicle, as shown in FIG. 6. Mounting plates 30 are known in the art for securing transportable materials to vehicle racks. While the preferred use and mount for portable shelter device 10 is an all-terrain vehicle, one skilled in the art would readily recognize that portable shelter device 10 could be mounted on other racked vehicles, such as trucks, vans, sport utilities, cars, motorcycles or snowmobiles, as well as on bumpers, truck beds, cargo bays, rear doors or tailgates, as shown in FIG. 7; or portable shelter device 10 could be mounted on a hunters platform, on a tree, or on any other raised support member capable of providing stability to folding frame 40 when fully extended, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0037] Folding frame 40 is preferably defined by first hinge bracket 42 a, second hinge bracket 42 b, first hinge connecting member 44 a, second hinge connecting member 44 b, first elongated folding member 46 and second elongated folding member 48. Preferably, first hinge bracket 42 a and second hinge bracket 42 b are secured to first interior wall 24 a of box 22 proximal to upper edge 28 thereof and proximate to side wall 24 c and side wall 24 d, respectively, wherein first hinge connecting member 44 a is pivotally mounted on first hinge bracket 42 a and second hinge connecting member 44 b is pivotally mounted on second hinge bracket 42 b.

[0038] Preferably, first elongated folding member 46 is pivotally mounted to first hinge connecting member 44 a, wherein pivotal movement of first hinge connecting member 44 a relative to box 22 directs the position of first elongated folding member 46, and second elongated folding member 48 is pivotally mounted to second hinge connecting member 44 b, wherein pivotal movement of second hinge connecting member 44 b relative to box 22 directs the position of second elongated folding member 48. First folding hinge 47 a is preferably positioned generally midway along first elongated folding member 46, wherein first folding hinge 47 a enables substantially flat positioning of first section 47 b of first elongated folding member 46, relative to and substantially parallel with second section 47 c of first elongated folding member 46. Second folding hinge 49 a is preferably positioned generally midway along second elongated folding member 48, wherein second folding hinge 49 a enables substantially flat positioning of first section 49 b of second elongated folding member 48, relative to and substantially parallel with second section 49 c of second elongated folding member 48.

[0039] Although it is preferred that first folding hinge 47 a and second folding hinge 49 a are positioned generally midway along first elongated folding member 46 and second elongated folding member 48, respectively, one skilled in the art would readily recognize that other positions could be utilized for folding hinges 47 a and 49 a, wherein adequate folding of frame 40 would be enabled to provide for positioning within box 22. Moreover, more than one folding hinge could be provided along each elongated folding member 46 and 48.

[0040] Distal end 47 d of first elongated folding member 46 is preferably pivotally connected to first rod mount 50 a. Distal end 49 d of second elongated folding member 48 is preferably pivotally connected to second rod mount 50 b. Preferably, rod mounts 50 a and 50 b are each substantially circular brackets 52 a and 52 b, wherein central rod 62 of telescoping support 60 is secured thereby. Preferably, as best seen in FIG. 2, first intermediate rod 64 a and second intermediate rod 64 b telescopically extend in opposing directions from central rod 62 of telescoping support 60. Preferably, first end rod 66 a and second end rod 66 b telescopically extend in opposing directions from first intermediate rod 64 a and second intermediate rod 64 b, respectively, wherein first end rod 66 a substantially retracts into first intermediate rod 64 a and second end rod 66 b substantially retracts into second intermediate rod 64 b, and wherein each intermediate rod 64 a and 64 b substantially retracts into central rod 62. Although the previously described five-member telescoping support 60 is preferred, one skilled within the art would readily recognize that a lesser or greater number of telescoping parts could be utilized.

[0041] Preferably, shelter 80 is canvas, plastic, or other suitably water-resistant or waterproof material commonly utilized for tent fabrication. Mesh panel 82 (not shown) may be defined within shelter 80 to enable airflow and circulation therethrough. Mesh panel 82 may be defined with cover 84 (not shown), wherein a user can selectively access mesh panel 82. Other tent accessory features commonly known in the art such as, for exemplary purposes only, zippered or hook and loop fastener accessway closures, screened portholes and camouflage coloration may also be incorporated for shelter 80.

[0042] As best seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, shelter 80 is preferably secured to telescoping support 60 proximal to lengthwise midpoint 86 of shelter 80, wherein full extension of telescoping support 60 results in full extension of shelter 80 with first sidewall portion 90 substantially equivalent in dimension to second sidewall portion 92. Preferably, shelter 80 is adjustably hung from a series of support members 88, wherein each support member 88 is preferably a material loop 94. One skilled in the art would readily recognize that while a material loop 94 is preferred, other types of support members could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, rings, hooks, grommets or hook and loop fasteners, as demonstrated in FIG. 5. A set of stakes 100 is utilized to secure a final configuration of shelter 80, wherein first stake 102 a is passed through first corner stabilization port 96 a on shelter 80, second stake 102 b is passed through second corner stabilization port 96 b, third stake 102 c is passed through third corner stabilization port 96 c, and fourth stake 102 d is passed through fourth corner stabilization port 96 d. Preferably, corner stabilization ports 96 a, 96 b, 96 c and 96 d are each defined by grommets 98 a, 98 b, 98 c and 98 d, respectively (not shown). However, one skilled in the art would readily recognize that other types of corner stabilization ports could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, looping members, ropes, ties, hooks or rings.

[0043] In an alternate embodiment, portable shelter device 10 could be provided without container 20, wherein folding frame 40 could be mounted directly to a vehicle or other external support structure, and straps could be provided to secure the storage positioning of folding frame 40, telescoping support 60 and shelter 80.

[0044] In an alternate embodiment, portable shelter device 10 could be provided without container 20, wherein folding frame 40 could be mounted directly to a vehicle or other external support structure, and a removable cover or storage bag could be provided to secure and protect folding frame 40, telescoping support 60 and shelter 80.

[0045] In an alternate embodiment, portable shelter device 10 could be supported within a container having straps provided thereon, wherein the container could be worn backpack style, and wherein the straps could be utilized to fasten the container to a tree or other appropriate support structure prior to deployment of the tent, as demonstrated in FIG. 8.

[0046] In an alternate embodiment, telescoping support 60 could be replaced with a series of interlocking rods or supports, wherein button locks or threads could be provided on each rod end to enable secure and removable connection thereof.

[0047] In an alternate embodiment, portable shelter device 10 could be mounted on a vehicle roof rack or other elevated platform, whereby a larger shelter having increased interior headspace could be created.

[0048] In an alternate embodiment, the hanging positioning of shelter 80 could be adjustable, wherein a user could adjust the length of first sidewall portion 90 relative to that of second sidewall portion 92 for utilization in steep grade locations.

[0049] In an alternate embodiment, shelter 80 of portable shelter device 10 could have a stake sewn or otherwise provided integrally in each corner thereof and extending therefrom, for securing each corner to the ground.

[0050] In an alternate embodiment, portable shelter device 10 could incorporate the utilization of greater than four ground support devices, wherein sidewall reinforcement is desired.

[0051] In use, box 22 of portable shelter device 10 is preferably mounted across the rear rack of an all-terrain vehicle. For transport, folding frame 40, telescoping support 60, shelter 80 and stakes 100 are all enclosed and stored with box 22. To set up shelter 80, a user opens box 22 and pivots first hinge connecting member 44 a and second hinge connecting member 44 b, thereby positioning folding frame 40 proximal to upper edge 28 of box 22, wherein first hinge connecting member 44 a and second hinge connecting member 44 b are positioned proximate to first inner side wall 24 a of box 22 and receive positional support therefrom. First elongated folding member 46 and second elongated folding member 48 are unfolded and pivoted into an extended position relative to box 22, whereby telescoping support 60 is supported therebetween substantially parallel with box 22 and shelter 80 hangs therefrom. Full extension of telescoping support 60 extends the length of shelter 80, wherein a user secures positioning of sidewalls 90 and 92 of shelter 80 with a set of stakes 100 to complete setup of portable shelter device 10.

[0052] To disassemble portable shelter device 10, a user removes stakes 100 and compresses telescoping support 60, thereby compacting shelter 80. First elongated folding member 46 and second elongated folding member 48 are folded and pivoted into box 22, wherein telescoping support 60, carried by folding members 46 and 48, is also repositioned within box 22 along with shelter 80.

[0053] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable shelter device, comprising: a plurality of elongated support members; a covering material, said covering material carried by at least one of said elongated support members, wherein extension of said plurality of elongated support members and said covering material defines said portable shelter; means for securing said covering material relative to the ground; means for mounting said portable shelter device to an external support.
 2. The portable shelter device of claim 1, further comprising a container, said container having an interior cargo space and an exterior surface, wherein said plurality of elongated support members is carried by said container, wherein said interior cargo space of said container is dimensioned to receive said plurality of elongated support members and said covering material.
 3. The portable shelter device of claim 2, wherein one said elongated support member of said plurality of elongated support members is a first hinged member, one said elongated support member of said plurality of elongated support members is a second hinged member, and one said elongated support member of said plurality of elongated support members is a telescoping member, a first end of said telescoping member carried by said first hinged member and a second end of said telescoping member carried by said second hinged member, wherein said covering material is carried by said telescoping member.
 4. The portable shelter device of claim 2, wherein said exterior surface of said container carries means for mounting said container to a vehicle rack.
 5. The portable shelter device of claim 4, wherein said means for mounting said container to a vehicle rack is a plurality of brackets.
 6. The portable shelter device of claim 2, wherein said exterior surface of said container carries means for mounting said container to an external support.
 7. The portable shelter device of claim 6, wherein said means for mounting said container to an external support is a plurality of mounting plates.
 8. The portable shelter device of claim 2, wherein said exterior surface of said container carries means for carrying said container.
 9. The portable shelter device of claim 1, wherein said means for securing said covering material relative to the ground is a plurality of stakes.
 10. The portable shelter device of claim 3, wherein said first hinged member is pivotally mounted to a first bracket, said first bracket carried by said container, and wherein said second hinged member is pivotally mounted to a second bracket, said second bracket carried by said container.
 11. The portable shelter device of claim 10, wherein pivotal movement of said first hinged member and said second hinged member relative to said first bracket and said second bracket and unfolding of said first hinged member and said second hinged member, wherein said first hinged member and said second hinged member extend outwardly from said container, wherein said telescoping member is supported substantially between said first hinged member and said second hinged member, said covering material is suspended from said telescoping member, wherein extension of said telescoping member extends said covering material.
 12. The portable shelter device of claim 1, wherein said covering material is canvas.
 13. The portable shelter device of claim 1, wherein said covering material is plastic.
 14. The portable shelter device of claim 1, wherein said covering material is at least water-resistant.
 15. The portable shelter device of claim 1, wherein said covering material further defines at least one mesh panel.
 16. The portable shelter device of claim 1, wherein said covering material further defines at least one means for closure.
 17. The portable shelter device of claim 16, wherein said at least one means for closure is a zipper.
 18. The portable shelter device of claim 16, wherein said at least one means for closure is hook and loop fastener.
 19. The portable shelter device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ring members, said ring members holding said covering material, said ring members positioned on at least one of said plurality of elongated support members, at least a first ring member positionally fixed proximate to a first end of said at least one of said plurality of elongated support members, and at least a second ring member positionally fixed proximate to a second end of said at least one of said plurality of elongated support members, wherein said remaining ring members are positionally adjustable.
 20. The portable shelter device of claim 11, wherein a first portion of said covering material is carried proximate to a first end of said telescoping member, a second portion of said covering material is carried proximate to a second end of said telescoping member, and hook and loop fastener is provided on a third portion of said covering material, said third portion positioned between said first portion and said second portion and said third portion removably secured to said telescoping member with said hook and loop fastener.
 21. The portable shelter device of claim 11, wherein said covering material has a plurality of grommets defined therein, whereby said covering material is carried by said telescoping member.
 22. The portable shelter device of claim 1, further comprising a storage cover.
 23. The portable shelter device of claim 2, wherein at least one said elongated support member of said plurality of elongated support members is an interlocking, multi-component rod.
 24. The portable shelter device of claim 2, wherein at least one said elongated support member of said plurality of elongated support members is a threaded, multi-unit extendable member.
 25. The portable shelter device of claim 1, wherein said covering material position is adjustable relative to said elongated support members.
 26. A cantilever, overhead-supported tent, comprising: a box; a tent; and a collapsible frame, said frame carried by said box and said tent carried by said frame, wherein said box is mountable to a transport vehicle, and wherein the transport vehicle and said mounted box facilitate overhead-support for said tent via said frame.
 27. The method of transporting, erecting and supporting a portable shelter, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a portable shelter device having a hinged, telescoping support structure, a tent carried by said support structure, and a receptacle for transporting, storing and supporting said portable shelter; b) mounting said receptacle containing said portable shelter on a vehicle; c) transporting said portable shelter to a user selected location; d) opening said receptacle; e) unfolding said hinged support structure, thereby removing said telescoping support structure and said tent from said receptacle; f) extending said telescoping support structure, thereby extending said tent; g) securing a first sidewall and a second sidewall of said tent, wherein a roof portion of said tent is substantially supported by said telescoping support structure. 